About HEP
Overview
The Department of Health Education and Promotion offers five academic programs and a variety of experiences for students. Our academic programs include a BS in Environmental Health, BS in Public Health, MS in Environmental Health, Minor in Public Health, Minor in Environmental Health, Clinical Applications in Health Professions Certificate, Global Health Certificate, Maternal and Child Health Certificate, Sexual and Reproductive Health Certificate and a Certificate in Environmental Health Foundations. Our departmental office is located in 2101 Carol Belk Building and can be reached at 252-328-6000 or by filling out the “Contact HEP” form.
Our Mission
The Department of Health Education and Promotion is committed to advancing health equity and enhancing health outcomes through excellence in teaching, research, and service to foster an environment in which all community members feel included, respected, safe, and valued.
Our Students
Our students are exposed to many different opportunities and experiences. These experiences and opportunities range from unique research opportunities, professional internships, community service projects, study abroad opportunities, just to name a few. Graduates from all of our programs have an extremely high job placement rate after graduation. For example, HEP is one of the country’s top ten producers of professionals sitting for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination. To learn more about specific student experiences click here.
Our Faculty
Our award-winning faculty’s areas of expertise include everything from health coaching, public health education, emergency preparedness, worksite wellness, substance use prevention, implementation science, vaccine research, cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, tobacco regulation and policies, vector-borne disease, occupational and industrial hygiene, and water/wastewater safety. Faculty engage students in and out of the classroom through experiential learning opportunities, research collaborations, community service projects, and leadership development experiences. Classes and research mentorship in our programs prepare students for advanced studies, competitive employment opportunities, and specialist certifications. Click here to view the HEP faculty listing.
Alumni
HEP alumni can be found in many different professional fields and actively engage with current students through internships, classroom presentations, community service projects as well as social activities. Our alumni community health agencies, health departments, health care professions, environmental agencies, educational institutions, just to name a few. Many alumni go on to receive advanced degrees in medical and research disciplines. Examples of specific job placements include health education specialists, corporate health promotion specialists, epidemiologists, healthy policy analysists, health coaches, environmental specialists, occupational health and safety specialists, industrial hygienists, U.S. Public Health Service Officers, food and safety investigators, clinical research associates,, health data analysts, and consultants for health care organizations, in community-based organizations.